CVS Pharmacy offering a wide range of non-food Valentine's Day options in partnership with food allergy nonprofit FARE

For many children, Valentine’s Day includes classroom celebrations involving the exchange of candy, cards and heart-shaped goodies. But for children with food allergies, those celebrations can mean an increased risk of accidental exposure due to the danger many treats can pose. In a two-year period, about 2 out of every 5 students with food allergies have at least one allergic reaction while attending school or school-related activities.* To ensure a more inclusive Valentine’s Day for children, CVS Pharmacy®, as the exclusive retail partner of FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), is offering an enhanced assortment of over 50 non-food products ideal for classroom friendship exchanges. 

"No child should be excluded from school activities due to their food allergy,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “Twenty-five percent of life-threatening reactions that happen in school settings occur in people without diagnosed food allergies* so the risk may be greater than school staff, teachers and parents are aware. We're so proud of FARE's ongoing partnership with CVS Pharmacy, helping make certain that there are opportunities for students with food allergies to be included in classroom celebrations."

“We’re pleased to partner with FARE on another important initiative to support the food allergy community and help teachers facilitate safer classroom experiences,” said Brian Eason, Vice President of General Merchandise and Consumables, CVS Health®. “By providing a variety of non-food products for children to exchange and enjoy, our hope is to foster a more inclusive environment this Valentine’s Day.” 

About 1 in 3 children have been bullied or teased about their food allergies, which can lead to isolation and exclusion.* By showcasing fun, new toys to gift as an alternative to candy, teachers, parents and students can help to normalize the conversation about food allergies and ensure more children can participate in Valentine’s Day celebrations.

The enhanced selection of Valentine’s Day non-food products at CVS Pharmacy includes friendship bracelets, cards, heart bubble wands, paddle balls and colorful rubber ducks, to offer unique, accessible options for children with food allergies.

To find non-food products all in one convenient place, visit your local CVS Pharmacy or www.cvs.com/friendshipexchange. To learn more about food allergies and how to celebrate Valentine's Day safely in classrooms, download the FARE and CVS Pharmacy Valentine's Day toolkit at www.foodallergy.org/resources.